A Role for α11β1 Integrin in the Human Periodontal Ligament

We previously demonstrated a role for alpha 11 beta 1 integrin in periodontal ligament (PDL)-driven tooth eruption in the mouse. To explore a possible role for alpha 11 beta 1 in the human periodontium, we have characterized the expression and function of alpha 11 in human PDL tissue, in human PDL fibroblasts (hPDLF), and in human gingival fibroblasts (hGF). alpha 11 expression was detected in PDL tissue, in hPDLF, and in hGF cells. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB and insulin-like growth factor II stimulated contraction of collagen lattices by both types of fibroblasts. alpha 2 integrin blocking antibodies and the use of alpha 11 siRNA demonstrated a role for both alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 11 beta 1 in collagen lattice remodeling. Analysis of the proximal ITGA11 promoter from persons with chronic periodontal disease failed to reveal any polymorphism. Analysis of our data shows that alpha 11 beta 1 is a major collagen receptor on cultured human PDL cells and implies that it is also functionally important in the PDL in vivo.